Apex

[JSimpson]

I've started having problems with my Apex, beginning with not being able to access via phone or desktop. I powercycled the wireless gaming adapter a couple times with no results, eventually gave up, then a couple hours later noticed the light on my EB8 was blinking. I unplugged the EB8 from the wall, waited a few seconds, plugged it in and things were working normally again for two days. Yesterday, same thing (can't access remotely), so repeated the process and it worked for 1 day. Today I tried disconnecting the Base unit from EB8 to reboot, which has now fixed it for an hour (still working as of now).

I notice that my dosing isn't always happening during the time I can't access the Apex, and the first time the Apex left my heater stuck on until the heater's internal thermostat finally cut it off.

After reading the Apex manual, I looked at Configuration and noticed the following:

Apex Module List

Display module 001 009(OK) 001 Disp_1
Display module 001 009(OK) 002 Disp_2
EB8 module 001 003(OLD) 003 EB8_3
Display module 001 009(OK) 004 Disp_4

EB8 Module 003(OLD) I assume is a problem?

Any other suggestions are appreciated

Edit - sorry about the title, couldn't figure out how to edit it!

 

[Lunger]

I just updated my firmware to 4.31 and started having problems. My T5 are on a dimmable ballast and keep ramping up and down for no reason. Heater outlet was not coming on and main pump outlet won't stay in auto. I noticed I have the same situation with my EB4. I'm wanting to know what the deal is to. Also I'm right up the road from you in Kingwood.

 

[JSimpson]

Just as an update,

As noted above, disconnected the Base Unit from EB8 yesterday and the unit worked fine all day. Dosing as scheduled, etc.. Woke up this morning and the tank temp had dropped overnight - Apex didn't turn heater on. Again, can't connect to apex via web (I'm at my office now).

The problem is definitely recurring.

 

[Lunger]

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=21903708

Sounds like the module needs a firmware update. See link

 

[JSimpson]

Thanks for the info. Looks like I'll take the heater off apex and topoff manually for a few days until I get the Apex sorted out. I did try the firmware update for the EB8 module, but received some kind of error about "no firmware found/needed" (was a couple days ago, so forget exactly what it said). Best course of action might be to upgrade to the 4.31 firmware, but hesitant as you state you've had problems since then.

Was hoping to get a response from Neptune on this, but may need to call them instead.

 

[kurt_n]

Email Neptune... that's your best option. This is a user-supported forum, and they rarely answer questions directly here.

Also... looking at your module list, do you really have 3 displays? I'm assuming not, so it appears you have "phantom" modules. I'm thinking that could be an issue, but I've never dealt with it so I'm not sure what to say. You might search around the forum for "phantom modules" and see if you can find something, or at least bring that issue up to Neptune in your support email.

 

[JSimpson]

Email Neptune... that's your best option. This is a user-supported forum, and they rarely answer questions directly here.

Also... looking at your module list, do you really have 3 displays? I'm assuming not, so it appears you have "phantom" modules. I'm thinking that could be an issue, but I've never dealt with it so I'm not sure what to say. You might search around the forum for "phantom modules" and see if you can find something, or at least bring that issue up to Neptune in your support email.

No, I only have 1 display, but wasn't sure if that was normal or not to show multiples in configuration. I may shoot Neptune supportan email tomorrow to see if they have any quick fixes. I'm guessing they will recommend updating to the new firmware release, so will have to get everything connected up hard-wired to do this anyway. Only problem is work schedule doesn't leave a lot of spare time right now, so temporarily have moved the heater off Apex, and will monitor dosing and topoff in case manual is needed.

 

[kurt_n]

No, multiple displays is not normal and I'm thinking that's a big part of the issue you're seeing. I've never understood what causes them to appear, but if you can't find any thing on the forum, check out the FAQs in the back of the Reference Manual. There's one there that says something to the effect of "...I have more modules declared than what I have..."

 

[Texan78]

No, I only have 1 display, but wasn't sure if that was normal or not to show multiples in configuration.

I have noticed this has happened to me in the past with it showing multiple displays installed. It never caused any problems with my system that I noticed and I keep a close eye on it and never knew about it until I went to install a new add on module. I just deleted the extra 2 and never experienced any ill effects.

I may shoot Neptune supportan email tomorrow to see if they have any quick fixes. I'm guessing they will recommend updating to the new firmware release,

Yes they will so mention when you write them you are not comfortable upgrading it right now as you have heard it is not stable. At the very least be at v4.30 though when you write them. I had to write them about a dead outlet on my EB8 and they asked me to upgrade but I am up to date on everything already when I wrote them. So to save time between communications and to lessen delays mention your firmware version and stance on upgrading further unless there is a certain bug in the newest release that addresses your problem then I don't see a reason why you should have to upgrade at the moment anyways as it might introduce new issues. Also be prepared to wait as they are playing catch up from the holidays too.

 

[Lunger]

Best course of action might be to upgrade to the 4.31 firmware, but hesitant as you state you've had problems since then.

I was able to update EB4 with the new firmware. Sofar the problems have went away.

 

[JSimpson]

Lunger - good to hear the firmware update is working.

I sent an email to Neptune, who recommended the following:

1) Change apex to a different port than 80. They said that excessive traffic on that port is likely causing the problem. I changed to 8080, so we will see if that fixes the problem.

2) Update to the new 4.31 firmware. Haven't done this yet, but may do it this weekend if I have time.

As of now the Apex is working, but will need to give it a few days to see if the problem continues or not.

Thanks to all for your suggestions,

Joe

 

[jokeefe727@aol.com]

This has been a nightmare since I first purchased it. The unit that was sent to me was defective. They tried for weeks to fix it and then decided it was the unit and they replaced it.Finally got it to work. worked for a couple of months. Now the same thing. It took a couple of I T guys to finally set it up on my computer and phone so I could program my lights and chiller. NOW here I go again. My tank is looking sad this is taking to long to get them to help me Holiday and weekend. PLEASE HELP OKeefes reef the fish and corals need HELP ASAP. Probably going to have to send it back or replace it again. Well over $500 invested. Think twice before you spend this kind of money for a controller.
Now I find out they have discontinued Apex Light I'm now out over $500.if they cant fix it. Good Luck

 

[MCGirl900]

Sorry

 

[Texan78]

Usually even though a product might be discontinued they keep units on hand to fulfill warranty. So even though they may not be sold or making anymore they still have units to give you if need be so don't worry.

 

[jokeefe727@aol.com]

2nd week with no apex to control my 240 gal. They have finally setup a phone fix for Monday . I pray that works. Corals not looking to good when you lose control.

 

[JSimpson]

This has been a nightmare since I first purchased it. The unit that was sent to me was defective. They tried for weeks to fix it and then decided it was the unit and they replaced it.Finally got it to work. worked for a couple of months. Now the same thing. It took a couple of I T guys to finally set it up on my computer and phone so I could program my lights and chiller. NOW here I go again. My tank is looking sad this is taking to long to get them to help me Holiday and weekend. PLEASE HELP OKeefes reef the fish and corals need HELP ASAP. Probably going to have to send it back or replace it again. Well over $500 invested. Think twice before you spend this kind of money for a controller.
Now I find out they have discontinued Apex Light I'm now out over $500.if they cant fix it. Good Luck

Okeefe - I do hope they get your Apex sorted out, and am confidant that they will. I did notice that you pasted the same comments into at least 8 different threads here, which is kinda bordering on spam. Maybe you can start your own topic regarding the issues you've had and that way you would have all replies and information in one place rather than being scattered all over various other people's threads here.

 

[JSimpson]

As an update regarding my problems, I changed the port away from 80 and the Apex has been working well for almost two days, which is longer than it has worked in over a week without re-booting. I wanted to try the port a few days to see if that was really the problem before updating the firmware. I did get a 50ft Ethernet cable so I can hardwire the apex in order to do the firmware update, so can now do it whenever I'm ready.